Southsea promenade to close for more than a year for "necessary" improvements as Coastal Scheme continues
Part of Southsea promenade is getting ready to close for over a year as “essential sea defence work” continues.
The promenade between Speakers' Corner and South Parade Pier will close from March 2 until May 2027 for vital sea defence improvement work to continue as part of the latest phase of the Southsea Coastal Scheme.
The multi-million pound sea defence project will span 4.5km from Old Portsmouth to Eastney to minimise the risk of flooding in coming years.
The scheme, which commenced in 2020, has already completed three areas along the seafront, with work set to continue until 2028.
Sub-Frontage 5 East, which is a short section of Clarence Esplanade alongside The Dell, will be closed but the main A288 South Parade road will remain open in both directions for the majority of construction.
"As with all our frontages, you can expect to see great improvements to the area once it's complete, with features such as terraced planting, new lighting and seating, a two-way cycle lane and the refurbishment of Grade II listed light columns.”
There will also be some short night-time closures planned, with dates confirmed in due course and traffic management will be in place to ensure safety while the work is completed.
A pedestrian and cyclist diversion will be available and a spokesperson for the coastal scheme has confirmed that local businesses will remain open as usual.
“At South Parade Pier, improvements will be made under the canopy area, including replacing the deteriorating surface and encasing the ramped walkways.”